Eyeglasses having magnetically coupled primary lens frame and auxiliary lens frame

ABSTRACT

Eyeglasses comprising a primary lens frame having a first pair of lens holders separated by a bridge portion having a major magnetic member disposed on a rear side thereof and facing rearward. The eyeglasses further include an auxiliary frame having a second pair of lens holders separated by a bridge portion and having pivoting arms attached to each lens. The arms are connected by a grip extension having minor magnetic members disposed on a side facing the major magnetic members. The auxiliary frame is coupled to the primary lens frame from the bottom such that the grip extension extends under the bridge portion in the primary lens frame and allows the major and minor magnetic members to form a magnetic attraction. The pivoting arms permit the auxiliary frame to be moved in and out of the line of sight of the user without disrupting the magnetic coupling of the primary and the auxiliary frames.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This is a continuation in part of my co-pending application Ser. No.11/209,068 filed on Aug. 22, 2005, which is a continuation of myapplication Ser. No. 10/635,827, filed on Aug. 6, 2003.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to eyewear. More specifically, theinvention relates to attachment of an auxiliary frame to a primary frameusing magnetic members disposed within the bridges of both the auxiliaryand primary frames.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

It is well known in the art to attach an auxiliary frame with auxiliarylenses to a pair of primary eyeglasses. This has been achieved throughvarious means, including the use of clips and/or magnetic members.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,416,537 issued to Sadler, et al. discloses a magneticmeans for securing an auxiliary frame to a pair of primary eyeglassesusing two pairs of magnetic members. A first pair of magnetic members isattached or coupled to the primary eyeglasses across the top of theprimary frame. Each of the magnetic members in this first pair facesupward and they are disposed at opposite ends of the primary frame, nearthe arms of the primary eyeglasses. A second pair of magnetic members isarranged on the auxiliary frame. Each of the magnetic members in thissecond pair extends outward, distally from the auxiliary frame, and facedownward. These magnetic members in the second pair are arranged toengage the first pair of magnetic members from the top when theauxiliary frame is coupled to the primary eyeglasses.

One objective of the Sadler patent is to properly align and secure theauxiliary frame to the primary eyeglasses. However, the two pairs ofmagnetic members may not necessarily properly align and secure theauxiliary frame to the primary eyeglasses. For example, in thistop-mounted design, there can be some slippage or friction between thepairs of magnets when a user moves his head quickly, which may cause theauxiliary frame to misalign or altogether dislodge from the primaryeyeglasses.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,737,054 issued to Chao, et al. also discloses a methodfor coupling an auxiliary spectacle frame to a primary frame of a pairof eyeglasses by using magnetic members. The primary frame of theeyeglasses includes a single magnetic connector member that is securedon top of the bridge in the middle portion of the bridge. This singlemagnetic connector faces upward. The auxiliary spectacle frame alsoincludes a middle bridge portion having a projection for engaging orextending over the bridge of the primary frames from the top. Theprojection also includes a single magnetic connector member that facesdownward. The single magnetic connector member in the projection engagesthe magnetic connector member in the bridge of the primary frame fromthe top when auxiliary spectacle frame and the primary frames arecoupled together.

The main objective of the Chao patent is to secure the auxiliary frameto the primary frames while reducing the number of magnetic members fromtwo pairs to a single pair of magnetic members. Reducing the number ofmagnetic members makes the eyeglasses lighter, reducing stress on thenose bridge when the eyeglasses are worn, and also makes the eyeglassesless expensive to manufacture. However, the Chao patent still suffersfrom the same shortcomings of the Sadler patent. More specifically, theChao patent does not necessarily properly align and secure the auxiliaryframe to the primary eyeglasses. As with the eyeglasses in the Sadlerpatent, the top mounted design utilized in the Chao patent still suffersfrom some slippage or friction between the single pair of magnets when auser moves his head quickly. As with the Sadler patent, this friction orslippage may cause the auxiliary frame to misalign or altogetherdislodge from the primary eyeglasses.

An additional useful feature of the auxiliary lenses is the ease withwhich they can be removed. For example, when the user steps indoors, thedark-shaded eyewear must be immediately removed, as any delay creates apotential hazard. While the auxiliary eyewear can be simply detached,this approach has several drawbacks. First, once detached, the auxiliaryeyewear may become misplaced and lost. Second, carrying the auxiliaryeyewear separately requires bringing along an eyeglass case, or riskingdamage to the eyewear carried without a case. It is thereforeadvantageous to have auxiliary eyewear that, when no longer needed, canbe moved out of the line of sight, but still remain attached to theprimary eyewear. The solution to this problem is a pivot, allowing theauxiliary eyewear to be flipped up and above the frame of the primaryeyewear.

Such pivoting eyewear designs are known in the art. A U.S. Pat. No.6,695,448 issued to Xiao, discloses “shelter arms” pivotally connectedto the top of the auxiliary frame. The other end of each such shelterarm connects to the primary frame. Thus, by means of the pivot, theauxiliary eyewear of Xiao can be flipped up and out of the line of sightof the user. However, Xiao still has substantial drawbacks. Mainly, eachshelter arm has to be separately connected to the primary eyewear,making the attachment cumbersome and virtually impossible without firstremoving the primary eyewear.

Another example of pivoting auxiliary eyewear is disclosed in U.S. Pat.Nos. 6,783,234 and 6,789,893 both issued to Hong. Hong teaches a tubularpivoting device interconnecting the lenses of the auxiliary frame.Another tubular member connects the pivoting device to the bridge of theprimary frame. While being easier to assemble than the Xiao device, theHong device has several drawbacks as well. Mainly, the flipped upconfiguration of the auxiliary eyewear may be structurally insecure. Inthat configuration all of the weight of the auxiliary eyewear rests atopthe vertical connecting member, which attaches to the primary eyewear ata single spot. In addition, the connecting tubular member and thepivoting member add substantial bulk to the eyewear and are notaesthetically pleasing.

Accordingly, what is needed is a more secure method for coupling anauxiliary frame to a primary frame in a pair of eyeglasses whilereducing the number of magnetic members from two pairs to a single pair.

In addition, what is needed is an aesthetically pleasing and facilemeans of pivoting the auxiliary eyewear in and out of the line of sightof the user where both the flipped up and down positions arestructurally secure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary object of the invention is to provide a pair of eyeglassesin which an auxiliary frame is securely coupled to a primary lens framethrough the use of magnetic members. A second object of the invention isto do so while minimizing the number of magnetic members utilized. Yetanother object of the invention is to enable the flip-up option of theauxiliary eyewear.

Accordingly, in one aspect of the invention there is provided a pair ofeyeglasses comprised of a primary lens frame having a first pair of lensholders for holding a first pair of lenses, said lens holders separatedby a bridge portion. The bridge portion includes a major magnetic memberthat is preferably positioned on a rear side of the bridge portion,rather than on top of the bridge portion, such that a surface of themajor magnetic member is exposed and faces rearward. The eyeglasses arefurther comprised of an auxiliary frame having a second pair of lensholders separated by a bridge portion. The bridge portion of theauxiliary frame is preferably formed to include a protruding gripextension that extends perpendicularly and laterally outward from theauxiliary frame. The grip extension includes an upward lip located atthe distal end of the grip extension. Preferably, the upward lip ispositioned at a distance approximately equal to the width of the bridgeportion in the primary lens frame. This upward lip further includes aminor magnetic member positioned therein such that a surface of theminor magnet member is exposed and faces forward.

The auxiliary frame is coupled to the primary lens frame from the bottomsuch that the grip extension of the auxiliary frame extends under thebridge portion in the primary lens frame and the upward lip engages thebridge portion of the primary lens frame on the rear side of the bridgeportion of the primary lens frame, said major and minor magnetic membersmagnetically coupling together, thereby further securing the auxiliaryframe to the primary lens frame.

In a first preferred embodiment, the major magnetic member is positionedwithin the bridge portion of the primary lens frame such that theexposed surface of the major magnetic member is flush with the rear sideof the bridge portion, thereby forming one cohesive and smooth surfaceon the rear side of the bridge portion. Likewise, the minor magneticmember is positioned within the upward lip of the grip extension of theauxiliary frame such that the exposed surface of the minor magnet memberis flush with the front side of the upward lip, thereby forming onecohesive and smooth surface on the front side of the upward lip.

In a second preferred embodiment, the major magnetic member ispositioned within the bridge portion of the primary lens frame such thatthe exposed surface of the major magnetic member is elevated from therear side of the bridge portion, thereby extending or protruding outwardfrom the rear side of the bridge portion. Likewise, the minor magneticmember is positioned within the upward lip of the grip extension of theauxiliary frame such that the minor magnet member is not flush with thefront side of the upward lip; but, rather, is recessed therein, therebyforming a recess or aperture on the front side of the upward lip. Inthis second preferred embodiment, the major magnetic member extends fromthe primary lens frame and is inserted into the recess or aperture onthe front side of the upward lip in the auxiliary lens frame, with themajor and minor magnetic members then magnetically coupling together.

In a third preferred embodiment, in contrast to the second preferredembodiment, the minor magnetic member extends from the auxiliary lensframe, while the primary lens frame has a recess or aperture. The majormagnetic member is placed in the recess. The magnetic coupling isachieved when the minor magnetic member of the auxiliary frame isinserted into the recess of the primary frame and coupled with the majormagnetic member.

In a fourth preferred embodiment the auxiliary lens frame has a pair ofarms, each arm pivotally connected at one end to the upper portion ofeach lens holder. The arms are joined at their other end by the gripextension. As in the first preferred embodiment, the major magneticmember is in the bridge portion of the primary lens frame and is flushwith the rear side of the bridge portion. The minor magnetic member isthe grip extension, connecting the pivoting arms of the auxiliary frame.The grip extension thus forms a magnetic attraction with the bridgeportion of the primary lens frame. Without disturbing the magneticattraction between the primary and the auxiliary frames, the auxiliaryframe can be pivoted between two positions: a lowered position, wherethe auxiliary frame is in the line of sight of the user, and a raisedposition, where the auxiliary frame is above and out of the line ofsight.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 a through 1 c illustrate top and rear perspective views of aprimary lens frame in accordance with a first preferred embodiment ofthe present invention, said primary lens frame having a flushed magneticmember;

FIGS. 2 a through 2 b illustrate top perspective views of an auxiliaryframe in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, said auxiliary frame having a flushed magnetic member;

FIGS. 3 a through 3 b illustrate top perspective views of both theprimary lens frame and the auxiliary frame when coupled together in afirst preferred embodiment of the present invention in which flushedmagnetic members are used to couple the auxiliary frame to the primarylens frame;

FIGS. 4 a through 4 c illustrate top and rear perspective views of aprimary lens frame in accordance with a second preferred embodiment ofthe present invention, said primary lens frame having an extendedmagnetic member;

FIGS. 5 a through 5 b illustrate top perspective views of an auxiliaryframe in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, said auxiliary frame having a recessed magnetic member;

FIGS. 6 a through 6 b illustrate top perspective views of both theprimary lens frame and the auxiliary frame when coupled together in asecond preferred embodiment in which the extended magnetic member of theprimary lens frame couples with the recessed magnetic member in theauxiliary frame thereby securing the auxiliary frame to the primary lensframe;

FIGS. 7 a through 7 c illustrate top and rear perspective views of aprimary lens frame in accordance with a third preferred embodiment ofthe present invention, said primary lens frame having a recessedmagnetic member;

FIGS. 8 a through 8 b illustrate top perspective views of an auxiliaryframe in a third preferred embodiment of the present invention, saidauxiliary frame having an extended magnetic member;

FIGS. 9 a through 9 b illustrate top perspectives view of both theprimary lens frame and the auxiliary frame when coupled together in athird preferred embodiment in which the extended magnetic member of theauxiliary frame couples with the recessed magnetic member in the primarylens frame, thereby securing the auxiliary frame to the primary lensframe;

FIGS. 10 a through 10 b illustrate an alternative embodiment of theauxiliary lens frame having a flushed magnetic member;

FIGS. 11 a through 11 b illustrate an alternative embodiment of theauxiliary lens frame having an recessed magnetic member;

FIGS. 12 a through 12 b illustrate an alternative embodiment of theauxiliary lens frame having an extended or elevated magnetic member;

FIGS. 13 a through 13 c illustrate a rear view of a fourth preferredembodiment of the auxiliary lens frame having the pivoting armsconnected by an extension grip, showing the arms extended;

FIGS. 14 a through 14 b illustrate a top perspective view of the fourthpreferred embodiment of the auxiliary lens frame having the pivotingarms connected by an extension grip, showing the arms folded;

FIGS. 15 a through 15 b illustrate a bottom view of the primary lensframe coupled to the auxiliary lens frame of the fourth preferredembodiment, with the auxiliary lens frame being in the lowered position;and

FIG. 16 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the primary lens framecoupled to the auxiliary lens frame of the fourth preferred embodiment,with the auxiliary lens frame in the raised position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The invention is for a pair of eyeglasses having a primary lens frameand an auxiliary lens frame coupled together through the use of a singlepair of magnetic members. Preferred embodiments of the present inventionwill now be described in detail with reference to the appended drawings,in which like elements are denoted with the same reference numerals.

FIGS. 1 a through 1 c illustrate top and rear perspective views of aprimary lens frame in a first preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. As shown, the primary lens frame 10 includes a pair of lensholders 11 a-b for holding a pair of primary lenses. The primary lensframe 10 may be made of plastic, metal, or any other suitable materialknown in the art. The lens holders 11 a-b are separated by a bridgeportion 12 which is disposed therebetween and preferably has a slightlycurved shape for fitting over a human nose when the primary eyeglassesare worn. The primary lens frame is preferably coupled to a pair ofmoveable arms (not shown) at opposite ends of the primary lens frame,said arms being moveable in an inward direction. The arms are designedto engage a human ear when the eyeglasses are used. The arms may bespring loaded, allowing for some flexibility, in order to facilitatedurability. Moreover, the arms may be made from a material differentthen the primary lens frame.

As described above, the lens holders 11 a-b in the primary lens frame 10are separated by a bridge portion 12, said bridge portion having frontand rear sides along with a top and a bottom. The bridge portion 12includes a major magnetic member 13 positioned therein or coupledthereto. The major magnetic member 13 is preferably positioned centrallyand may be comprised of a permanent magnetic material or a ferromagneticconductive material, as will be further described herein. In this firstpreferred embodiment the major magnetic member 13 is positioned on arear side of the bridge portion 12 such that an exposed surface 14 ofthe major magnetic member 13 faces rearward, toward the human nose, whenthe eyeglasses are used.

FIG. 1 b illustrates a top view blow-up of the bridge portion 12separating the lens holders 11 a-b in the primary lens frame 10 in afirst preferred embodiment. FIG. 1 c illustrates a rear side viewblow-up of the bridge portion separating the lens holders 11 a-b in theprimary lens frame 10 in a first preferred embodiment. As shown in FIGS.1 b and 1 c, in this first preferred embodiment, the major magneticmember 13 is preferably disposed within the bridge portion 12 such thatan exposed surface 14 of the major magnetic member 13 is flush with therear side of the bridge portion 12, thereby forming one cohesive andsmooth surface on the rear side of the bridge portion 12.

Referring to FIG. 2 a, a top perspective view of the auxiliary frame 15in a first preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.As shown, the auxiliary frame 15 also includes a pair of lens holders 16a-b separated by a bridge portion 18. The bridge portion 18 ispreferably formed to include a protruding grip extension 19 disposedcentrally within the bridge portion 18 and extending laterally outwardfrom the auxiliary frame 15. The grip extension 19 is preferablyrectangular in shape and includes an upward lip 20 at a distal end ofthe grip extension.

Referring to FIG. 2 b, a top view of the bridge portion and gripextension in the auxiliary frame are shown. As shown, a minor magneticmember 21 is positioned within the upward lip 20 of the grip extension19 in the bridge portion 18 such that a surface of the minor magneticmember 20 is exposed and visible on a front side (not shown) of theupward lip 20. The minor magnetic member 21 may be comprised of apermanent magnetic material or a ferromagnetic conductive material. Inthe first preferred embodiment, the minor magnetic member 21 ispositioned at the front of the upward lip 20 of the grip extension 19such that the exposed surface of the minor magnet member 20 facesforward, toward the front of the auxiliary frame 15, said exposedsurface preferably being flush with the front side of the upward lip 20,thereby forming one cohesive and smooth surface on the front side of theupward lip 20.

FIG. 3 a illustrates a top perspective view of both the primary lensframe 10 and the auxiliary frame 15 when coupled together in the firstpreferred embodiment. FIG. 3 b illustrates a top perspective view blowup of the bridge portion 18, grip extension 19 and the upward lip 20 ofthe auxiliary frame 15 as coupled with the bridge 12 of the primary lensframe 10. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 a and 3 b, the auxiliary frame 15 iscoupled to the primary lens frame 10 from the bottom such that the gripextension 19 of the auxiliary frame 15 extends under the bridge 12 inthe primary lens frame 10 and the upward lip 20 engages the bridge 12 onthe rear side of the bridge, wherein the major magnetic member 13 in theprimary lens frame magnetically couples to the minor magnetic member 21in the auxiliary frame, thereby securing the auxiliary frame to theprimary lens frame. As discussed earlier, the major and minor magneticmembers may be comprised of either permanent magnetic material orferromagnetic material. In this first preferred embodiment, at least oneof either the major or minor magnetic members should be comprised ofpermanent magnetic material, in order for continued magnetic attractionto exist over time.

FIGS. 4 a through 4 c illustrate top and rear perspective views of aprimary lens frame in accordance with a second preferred embodiment ofthe present invention. As with the primary lens frame 10 in the firstpreferred embodiment, the primary lens frame in a second preferredembodiment includes a pair of lens holders 11 a-b for holding a pair ofprimary lenses. Once again, the primary lens frame in the secondpreferred embodiment may be made of plastic, metal, or any othersuitable material known in the art. The lens holders 11 a-b areseparated by a bridge portion 12, disposed therebetween, and preferablyhaving a slightly curved shape for fitting over a human nose when theprimary eyeglasses are worn. The primary lens frame 10 is again coupledto a pair of moveable arms (not shown), distally positioned at oppositeends of the primary lens frame and moveable in an inward direction. Thearms are designed to engage a human ear when the eyeglasses are used andmay be spring loaded in order to facilitate durability.

The bridge portion 12 on the primary lens frame 10 further includes amajor magnetic member 25. The major magnetic member 25 may be comprisedof a permanent magnetic material or a ferromagnetic conductive material,as will be further described herein. In this second preferred embodimentthe major magnetic member 25 is positioned within the bridge portion ona rear side such that an exposed surface 26 of the major magnetic member25 faces rearward, toward the human nose, when the eyeglasses are used.

FIG. 4 b illustrates a top view blow-up of the bridge portion separatingthe lens holders in the primary lens frame in the second preferredembodiment. FIG. 4 c illustrates a rear view blow-up of the bridgeportion separating the lens holders in the primary lens frame in thesecond preferred embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 4 b and 4 c, the majormagnetic member 25 is disposed within the bridge portion of the primarylens frame 10 such that is elevated and extends or protrudes from therear side of the bridge portion. Accordingly, unlike the first preferredembodiment, the major magnetic member 25 is not flush with the rear sideof the bridge portion 12. Rather, it extends or protrudes outward,therefrom, in a rearward direction.

Referring to FIGS. 5 a through 5 b, top views of an auxiliary frame 15in a second preferred embodiment of the present invention areillustrated. Once again, the auxiliary frame in the second preferredembodiment may be made from plastic, metal, or any other suitablematerial known in the art. As shown, the auxiliary frame 15 in thesecond preferred embodiment also includes a pair of lens holders 16 a-bseparated by a bridge portion 18. The bridge portion 18 in the auxiliaryframe 15 includes a grip extension 19 protruding perpendicularly andlaterally from the auxiliary frame in a rearward direction. The gripextension 19 is preferably rectangular in shape and includes an upwardlip 20. A minor magnetic member 28 is positioned within the upward lip20 of the grip extension such that an exposed surface of the minormagnet member 28 is visible on a front side (not shown) of the upwardlip 20. The minor magnetic member may be comprised of permanent magneticmaterial or a ferromagnetic material.

In this second preferred embodiment, the minor magnetic member 28 isdisposed within the upward lip 20 of the grip extension such that theexposed surface of the minor magnetic member 28 faces outward andforward, but is recessed from the front side of the upward lip 20.Accordingly, unlike the first preferred embodiment, the minor magneticmember 28 is not flush with the front side of the upward lip; but,rather, is recessed therefrom, thereby forming a recess or aperture 29on the front side of the upward lip 20.

FIG. 6 a illustrates a top perspective view of both the primary lensframe 10 and the auxiliary frame 15 when coupled together in a secondpreferred embodiment. FIG. 6 b illustrates a top perspective view blowup of the bridge portion, the grip extension 19, and the upward lip 20of the auxiliary frame, along with the bridge 12 of the primary lensframe 10. As illustrated in FIGS. 6 a and 6 b, the auxiliary frame iscoupled to the primary lens frame from the bottom such that the gripextension 19 of the auxiliary frame extends under the bridge 12 in theprimary lens frame and the upward lip 20 engages the bridge of theprimary lens frame on the rear side of the bridge, with the majormagnetic member 25 in the primary lens frame being inserted into therecess or aperture on the front side of the upward lip 20 and furtherbeing magnetically coupled to the minor magnetic member 28 in theauxiliary frame, thereby securing the auxiliary frame to the primarylens frame. As discussed earlier, the major and minor magnetic membersmay be comprised of either permanent magnetic material or ferromagneticmaterial. In this second preferred embodiment, at least one of eitherthe major or minor magnetic members should be comprised of permanentmagnetic material, in order for continued magnetic attraction to existover time.

FIGS. 7 a through 7 c illustrate a top perspective view of theeyeglasses in yet a third preferred embodiment of the present invention.As with the eyeglasses in the first and second preferred embodiments,the eyeglasses in this third preferred embodiment are comprised of aprimary lens frame 10 having a pair of lens holders 11 a-b for holding apair of primary lenses. Once again, the primary lens frame in the thirdpreferred embodiment may be made of plastic, metal, or any othersuitable material known in the art. The lens holders 11 a-b areseparated by a bridge portion 12, disposed therebetween, and preferablyhaving a slightly curved shape for fitting over a human nose when theprimary eyeglasses are worn. The primary lens frame 10 is coupled to apair of moveable arms (not shown) distally positioned at opposite endsof the primary lens frame and moveable relative thereto in an inwarddirection. The arms are designed to engage a human ear when theeyeglasses are used and may be spring loaded in order to facilitatedurability.

As described with reference to the first and second preferredembodiments, the lens holders 11 a-b in the third preferred embodimentare separated by a bridge portion 12 which includes a major magneticmember 30. The major magnetic member 30 may be comprised of a permanentmagnetic material or a ferromagnetic material, as will be furtherdescribed herein. In this third preferred embodiment, the major magneticmember 30 is positioned centrally within the bridge portion on a rearside of the bridge portion such that an exposed surface 31 of the majormagnetic member 30 faces rearward, toward the human nose, when theeyeglasses are used.

FIG. 7 b illustrates a top view blow-up of the bridge portion in theprimary lens frame 10 in the third preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 7 c illustrates a rear view blow-up of the bridgeportion in the primary lens frame in the third preferred embodiment. Asshown in FIGS. 7 b and 7 c, the major magnetic member 30 is disposedwithin the bridge portion of the primary lens frame 10 such that it isrecessed within the bridge. Accordingly, unlike the first preferredembodiment, the major magnetic member 30 in the third preferredembodiment is not flush with the rear side of the bridge portion 12.Rather, it is recessed within the bridge portion of the primary lensframe, thereby forming a recess or aperture 32 within the bridge portionof the primary lens frame.

Referring to FIGS. 8 a through 8 b, a top view of the auxiliary frame 15in the third preferred embodiment of the present invention isillustrated. Once again, the auxiliary frame in the third preferredembodiment may be made from plastic, metal, or any other suitablematerial known in the art. As shown, the auxiliary frame 15 alsoincludes a pair of lens holders 16 a-b separated by a bridge portion 18.The bridge portion 18 in the auxiliary frame 15 also includes a gripextension 19 protruding perpendicularly and extending laterally from theauxiliary frame in a rearward direction. As with the first and secondpreferred embodiments, the grip extension is preferably rectangular inshape and includes an upward lip 20. A minor magnetic member 33 ispositioned within the upward lip 20 of the grip extension such that anexposed surface of the minor magnet member 33 is visible on a front side(not shown) of the upward lip 20. The minor magnetic member may becomprised of permanent magnetic material or a ferromagnetic material.

In this third preferred embodiment, the minor magnetic member 33 isdisposed within the upward lip 20 of the grip extension such that theexposed surface of the minor magnetic member faces outward and iselevated above the front side of the upward lip 20. Accordingly, unlikethe first preferred embodiment, the minor magnetic member 33 is notflush with the front side of the upward lip; but, rather, it extends andprotrudes outward from the front side of the upward lip 20.

FIG. 9 a illustrates a top perspective view of both the primary lensframe 10 and the auxiliary frame 15 when coupled together in this thirdpreferred embodiment. FIG. 9 b illustrates a top perspective view blowup of the bridge, the grip extension 19, and the upward lip 20 of theauxiliary frame along with the bridge 12 of the primary lens frame 10.As illustrated in FIGS. 9 a and 9 b, the auxiliary frame is coupled tothe primary lens frame from the bottom such that the grip extension 19of the auxiliary frame extends under the bridge 12 in the primary lensframe and the upward lip 20 engages the bridge of the primary lens frameon the rear side of the bridge with the minor magnetic member 33 in theauxiliary frame being inserted into the recess or aperture on the rearside of the bridge in the primary lens frame and the major and minormagnetic members magnetically coupling together, thereby securing theauxiliary frame to the primary lens frame.

As discussed earlier, the major and minor magnetic members may becomprised of either permanent magnetic material or ferromagneticmaterial. In this third preferred embodiment, at least one of either themajor or minor magnetic members should be comprised of permanentmagnetic material, in order for continued magnetic attraction to existover time.

FIGS. 10 a through 10 b illustrate an alternative embodiment of theauxiliary lens frame having a flushed magnetic member. As shown in thisalternative embodiment, the bridge portion 18 in the auxiliary frame 15is actually shaped to form the grip extension. Accordingly, in thisalternative embodiment, the bridge portion of the auxiliary frame isboth a bridge 18 and a grip extension 19. As with the preferredembodiments, the bridge portion in this alternative embodiment includesan upward lip 20 disposed at a distal end of the bridge. In thealternative embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 10 a and 10 b, a minormagnetic member 21 is centrally positioned within the upward lip of thebridge portion such that an exposed surface of the minor magnetic memberfaces forward on a front side of the upward lip and is flush with thefront side of the upward lip, thereby forming one cohesive and smoothsurface on the front side of the upward lip. The minor magnetic member21 may be comprised of permanent magnetic material or ferromagneticmaterial. FIGS. 11 a through 11 b illustrate an alternative embodimentof the auxiliary frame 15 wherein the bridge portion 18 in the auxiliarylens frame is actually shaped to form the grip extension 19 and theminor magnetic member 28 is recessed within the upward lip of the bridgeportion, thereby forming a recess or aperture 29 on the front side ofthe upward lip. FIG. 12 a through 12 b illustrate an alternativeembodiment of the auxiliary frame 15 wherein the bridge portion 18 inthe auxiliary frame is actually shaped to form the grip extension 19 andthe minor magnetic member 33 is elevated from the upward lip, therebyextending or protruding outward from the front side of the upward lip20.

FIGS. 13 a and 13 b illustrate a rear view of a fourth preferredembodiment of the present invention. As described with reference to theprior preferred embodiments, the auxiliary frame 15 includes a pair oflens holders 16 a-b and a bridge portion 18. Once again, the frame maybe made of plastic, metal or any other suitable material known in theart. The frame 15 further includes a pair of pivoting arms 34 a-bconnected to the lens holders via pivots 35 a-b. The arms 34 a-b areinterconnected by a grip extension 19. The arms 34 a-b are shown in theextended configuration. The means of attachment and the shape of thegrip extension 19 are shown more clearly in a side view on FIG. 13 c.The grip extension 19 has a shape that matches the shape of the nosebridge of the primary eyeglass frame. The grip extension 19 is attachedto the ends of the arms 34 a-b, where said arms form a 90-degree bend.As in the first preferred embodiment, the minor magnetic members arepositioned so that their surfaces are flush with the surface of the gripextension 19 and are visible on the surface of the extension. In theextended configuration shown on FIG. 13 a the minor magnetic members 36a-b are facing to the rear of the auxiliary frame 15.

FIGS. 14 a and 14 b illustrate a top perspective view of the fourthpreferred embodiment with the pivoting arms 34 a-b folded. In the foldedconfiguration the arms 34 a-b may be flush or otherwise aligned with thelens holders 16 a-b to be aesthetically pleasing. When the arms 34 a-bare folded, the grip extension 19 is extended parallel to the plane ofthe lenses and the magnetic members 36 a-b are facing towards the bridgeof the auxiliary frame.

FIGS. 15 a and 15 b illustrate a bottom view of the fourth preferredembodiment with the auxiliary lens frame 15 coupled to a primary lensframe 10. With the pivoting arms folded, the auxiliary lens holders 16a-b are positioned in front of the primary lens holders 11 a-b. The gripextension 19 of the auxiliary lens frame 15 extends under and (by virtueof the 90-degree bend in the arms) hooks onto the bridge 12 of theprimary lens frame 10. The grip extension 19 has minor magnetic members36 a-b. The bridge 12 of the primary lens frame has major magneticmembers 37 a-b. The magnetic members are contained within theirrespective frames are flush with the surface. The grip extension 19engages the bridge 12 allowing the minor magnetic members to form anattraction with the major magnetic members.

FIG. 16 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the fourth preferredembodiment with the auxiliary lens frame 15 coupled to a primary lensframe 10. With the pivoting arms extended, the auxiliary lens holders 16a-b are positioned above of the primary lens holders 11 a-b. In thisposition the extension grip 19 remains coupled to the bridge 12 byvirtue of the magnetic attraction between the minor magnetic members 36a-b and 37 a-b. Thus the auxiliary lens frame 15 remains coupled to theprimary lens frame 10, but is moved out of the line of sight of theuser.

The invention has been described with reference to several differentpreferred and alternative embodiments and it is understood that anymodifications thereto or alternate combinations thereof which would bereadily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art are intended to beencompassed. Therefore, the aforementioned descriptions are in no wayintended to limit the breadth or scope of the invention as claimedhereinafter.

1. An eyeglass apparatus comprising: a pair of primary lenses separatedby a bridge portion, said bridge portion having a major magnetic memberpositioned on a rear side such that a surface of the major magneticmember is exposed and faces rearward, said major magnetic member beingcapable of magnetically coupling with a minor magnetic member on abridge portion of a pair of auxiliary lenses, thereby securing said pairof auxiliary lenses to said pair of primary lenses solely by a magneticattraction between said major magnetic member and said minor magneticmember.
 2. The eyeglass apparatus of claim 1, wherein the major magneticis positioned within the bridge portion such that the exposed surface ofthe major magnetic member is flush with the rear side of the bridgeportion, thereby forming one cohesive and smooth surface on the rearside of the bridge portion.
 3. The eyeglass apparatus of claim 1,wherein the major magnetic member is positioned within the bridgeportion such that the exposed surface of the major magnetic member iselevated from the rear side of the bridge portion, thereby extending orprotruding from the rear side of the bridge portion.
 4. The eyeglassapparatus of claim 1, wherein the major magnetic member is positionedwithin the bridge portion such that the exposed surface of the majormagnetic member is recessed within the rear side of the bridge portion,thereby forming a recess or aperture within the rear side of the bridgeportion of the primary lens frames.
 5. A method for forming a pair ofeyeglasses comprising: constructing a primary lens frame having a firstpair of lens holders, for holding a pair of primary lenses, andseparated by a bridge portion disposed therebetween, said bridge portionhaving a major magnetic member disposed therein; constructing anauxiliary frame having a second pair of lens holders separated by abridge portion, said bridge portion formed to include a protruding gripextension which extends perpendicularly outward from the auxiliaryframe, and said grip extension having an upward lip with a minormagnetic member disposed therein; coupling said auxiliary frame to saidprimary lens frame from the bottom such that said major magnetic memberin the primary lens frame magnetically engages said minor magneticmember in the auxiliary frame, thereby securing the auxiliary frame tothe primary lens frame solely by a magnetic attraction between saidmajor magnetic member and said minor magnetic member.
 6. The method ofclaim 5, wherein the major magnetic member is disposed within the bridgeportion such that the exposed surface of the major magnetic member isflush with the rear side of the bridge portion, thereby forming onecohesive and smooth surface on the rear side of the bridge portion. 7.The method of claim 6, wherein the minor magnetic member is disposedwithin the upward lip of the grip extension such that the exposedsurface of the minor magnet member is flush with the front side of theupward lip, thereby forming one cohesive and smooth surface on the frontside of the upward lip.
 8. The method of claim 5, wherein the majormagnetic member is positioned within the bridge portion of the primarylens frame such that it is elevated, thereby extending or protrudingfrom a rear surface of the bridge portion.
 9. The method of claim 8,wherein the minor magnetic member is disposed within the upward lip ofthe grip extension such that the minor magnet member is not flush withthe front side of the upward lip; but, rather, is recessed therein,thereby forming a recess or aperture on the front side of the upwardlip.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the major magnetic member in theprimary lens frame is inserted into the recess or aperture on the frontside of the upward lip and the major and minor magnetic members are thenmagnetically coupled together.
 11. The method of claim 5, wherein themajor magnetic member is disposed within the bridge portion such that itis recessed,
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the minor magneticmember is disposed within the upward lip of the grip extension such thatthe minor magnet member is not flush with the front side of the upwardlip; but, rather, is elevated from a front surface of the upward lip,thereby extending or protruding from the front side of the upward lip.13. The method of claim 12, wherein the minor magnetic member in theauxiliary frame is inserted into the recess or aperture on the rear sideof the bridge portion of the primary lens frame, said major and minormagnetic members then magnetically coupling together.
 14. An eyeglassapparatus comprising: a pair of primary lenses separated by a bridgeportion, said bridge portion having at least one major magnetic memberpositioned on a rear side such that a surface of the major magneticmember is exposed and faces rearward, a pair of auxiliary lensesseparated by a bridge portion, each said auxiliary lens having apivoting arm positioned near its upper edge, said arms being joined byan extension grip, said extension grip having at least one minormagnetic member positioned on a side capable of facing the rear side ofsaid bridge portion connecting said primary lenses, such that a surfaceof the minor magnetic member is exposed and is capable of forming amagnetic attraction with said major magnetic member; wherein saidpivoting arms are capable of rotating so that the auxiliary lenses aremoved between a position in the user's line of sight and a positionoutside of the user's line of sight, while retaining the magneticattraction between said major and minor magnetic members.
 15. A methodof forming a pair of eyeglasses comprising: constructing a primary lensframe having a first pair of lens holders, for holding a pair of primarylenses, and separated by a bridge portion disposed therebetween, saidbridge portion having at least one major magnetic member disposedtherein; constructing an auxiliary frame having a second pair of lensholders separated by a bridge portion and further having a pair ofpivoting arms attached to the upper portion of said frame, said armsbeing connected by an extension grip having at least one minor magneticmember disposed therein and capable of facing said major magneticmember; coupling said auxiliary frame to said primary lens frame fromthe bottom such that said major magnetic member in the primary lensframe magnetically engages said minor magnetic member in the auxiliaryframe, thereby securing the auxiliary frame to the primary lens framesolely by a magnetic attraction between said major magnetic member andsaid minor magnetic member.